Limestoned.

Channeling Sir John A

2012-01-11T12:26:00.001-05:00

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Happy Sir John A Day, eh?

Things Are Not Always As They Appear

2012-01-11T08:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays

2011-12-23T06:49:00.000-05:00

We're Occupying Christmas.Thanks for your readership.See you in the New year.

An Open Letter To City Council

2011-12-10T06:24:00.001-05:00

Dear Council,

As a taxpayer in this municipality, we thought we should bring to your attention a few things that are on the minds of honest, hardworking citizens who reluctantly pay their taxes on time. These taxpayers may or may not have voted for you in the last election and in fact may have not voted at all. Not everyone in this municipality cares about the political posturing that goes on in City Hall yet they may complain about everything City Council does. As a taxpayer, whether or not they voted for you, whether or not they have communicated with you, they have the right to be represented by Council.

The role of a municipally elected representative is to represent citizens while working toward achieving the goals of the City. The recent 2012 budget discussions which were concluded quite quickly on November 22 seems to have advanced the goals of the City with little thought about the taxpaying citizens who will finance these goals. We agree the City has to operate but we are tired of hearing that service levels will be reduced if the budgets of City departments aren’t increased. We are tired of hearing how we will receive good value for our tax dollars. We are tired of hearing that a 3.5 % tax increase is merely based on a 2% inflationary component plus 1% for capital renewal projects. We are tired of hearing that a 3.5% tax increase is realistic.

Most taxpaying citizens don’t receive an annual rate of inflation financial cushion to cover their own escalating operating budget costs and we are quite certain they don’t tell their employers they will have to pony up 3.5% more in the future to cover expenses. If Council has no problem telling taxpayers we have to pay 3.5% percent more, why can’t Council tell City staff they will have to trim their inflated budgets? We are being told by bureaucrats it will cost $12M more to operate the city in 2012 than it did in 2011. We know about bureaucratic budget processes and the belt-tightening sham of asking for more money than you need so it appears heroic efforts are taken to reduce financial requests. So why didn’t Council ask bureaucrats for heroic efforts? If these budget figures and tax increases were predetermined at earlier budget priority workshops, then why go through the Grand Façade of budget discussions? Will City services increase or improve by 3.5%, the same amount of the annual tax increase? Will we be represented 3.5% percent more by you - our elected representatives?

Annual tax increases of 3.5% do affect taxpayers and are unacceptable, not to mention -dare we use that word- unsustainable. On December 20, 2011 we urge Council to represent taxpayers instead of City bureaucrats. Open “our” financial books and ask the questions that need to be asked. Tell the bureaucrats that no additional money will be available because a zero budget increase and a zero tax increase is a realistic achievable goal.

We are the people who finance this city. Represent us.

Realistically yours,

The Limestoned Janitors

Secret Swampland Deal Still Secret

2011-12-09T14:49:00.004-05:00

The $1,000,000 secret swampland purchase by the City of Kingston is still a secret and still on hold.

"On first glance I agree that would be a lot of money to pay. But there's a lot more to this story, a lot that I just can't share," Mayor Mark Gerretsen told reporters, as recounted by EMC’s Bill Hutchins on October 13, 2011.

Mayor Mark, taxpayers need to know. City Hall should be transparent not translucent.

Another Free Ride Courtesy Of Kingston Taxpayers

2011-12-09T08:10:00.004-05:00

City Council decided on December 6 that taxpayers would underwrite the public transportation cost for ticket holders to the upcoming Grand Slam of Curling at the LVEC because parking in the downtown spending zone might be at a premium due to the Christmas shopping frenzy.

So just for fun, imagine the event is a sellout – say 5,000 ducats sold and all ticket holders opt for free public transportation over the four day event. At $2.85 per passenger that would be $28,500 for a return trip and over four days it would cost taxpayers $114,000.

Merry Christmas from the Taxpayers.

And Then There Was 7

2011-12-08T12:24:00.006-05:00

The Mayor's task force for business - MT FOD 6 has gained another member courtesy of the People’s Councilor Lisa Osanic. In the Tuesday night debate, Councilor Osanic elucidated in her Yoda-like manner of identifying issues as they exist in a different dimension than in the political arena of 216 Ontario Street. Councilor Osanic merely pointed out the MT FOD 6 was precariously tilted without a counterweight of checks and balances that would be provided by a non partisan member of the Mayor’s inner circle.

Enter Helen Findlay, member of the public. Thank you Councilor Osanic or in Yoda speak " You councilor Osanic thank."

In other shenanigans at the Limestone City Palace related to the MT FOD 6, Councilor Downes erupted in an explosion of emotions directed at the Mayor’s audacity to spend $100,000 of the people’s money without indicating he would do so during the non-existent budget deliberations of November. Mayor Gerretsen had momentarily stepped down from The Throne and handed control of the Kingdom’s political reins to Deputy Mayor Hector, who was required to referee the shouting match between the two adversaries, exclaiming “Point of Order! You are both out of order!”

Deputy Mayor Hector then scolded Downes and demanded he apologize to young Gerretsen or else he was to leave the chambers for a time-out.

And thank you Councilor Downes for finally bringing forward to the current Mayor the same gusto you reserved for the former Mayor.

EVICTION NOTICE!

2011-12-07T12:36:00.006-05:00

The clause resolved that "the Occupy Kingston protestors (sic) be requested to cease camping and to remove all shelters, tents, equipment and debris from Confederation Park by not later than 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, and to refrain from carrying out any of those activities in other city parks and municipally owned public spaces."

Voting in favour of the eviction were councillors Kevin George, Dorothy Hector, Jeff Scott, Bryan Paterson, Brian Reitzel and Sandy Berg and Mayor Mark Gerretsen.

Voting against the eviction were councillors Jim Neill, Rob Hutchison, Liz Schell, Lisa Osanic, Bill Glover and Rick Downes.

Citizens are reminded that all City By-laws must now be enforced, not just certain ones that embarrass City Hall.

Thanks to Councillor Neill for calling out Posse of Georges member Kevin George when he couldn't handle silent communication from the witnesses in attendance while explaining his motion.

Democracy In Action

2011-12-06T12:31:00.002-05:00

Moved by Councillor George

Second by Councillor Berg

WHEREAS on October 15, 2011 people all over the world took to the streets to join

together in a non violent global protest, in regards to political, social and environmental injustice; and

WHEREAS in many cities throughout the world protesters have raised tents in city parks to support the Occupy Movement; and

WHEREAS on October 15, 2011 Occupy Kingston protestors occupied and continue to occupy a high profile area of the City’s Confederation Park without the permission of the City and in contravention of the City’s by-laws regulating the use of parks installed numerous tarps over the Confederation Park stage canopy framework creating a large structure within which a number of tents and other camping equipment and facilities were erected and used to camp and live in; and

WHEREAS Kingston residents and businesses have exercised patience for over six weeks but are becoming increasingly concerned about the negative impact of the protestors act of appropriating for their own use a high profile portion of public space in the City’s Confederation Park with every indication that they intend to remain for a number of months;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Occupy Kingston protestors be requested to cease camping and to remove all shelters, tents, equipment and debris from Confederation Park by not later than 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2011 and to refrain from carrying out any of those activities in other city parks and municipally owned public spaces; and

THAT in the event that the Occupy Kingston protestors do not comply with the foregoing request from City Council, that City of Kingston staff be directed to take appropriate actions to enforce applicable municipal by-laws including By-Law 2009-076, a By-Law to provide for the regulation of use of parks and recreational facilities of the Corporation of the City of Kingston; and

THAT the protestors be informed that they and all members of the Public are welcomed in the parks to exercise their democratic rights and enjoy the parks but will not be allowed to camp or to use any camping equipment including but not limited to shelters, tents, sleeping bags, barbecues or any other equipment that would be in contravention of By-Law 2009-076; and

THAT the Council for the City of Kingston acknowledge the concerns of the Occupy Kingston Movement and continue to work as diligently as possible on matters of concern to the Movement that are within the City’s jurisdiction.

Where Art Thou, KEDCO? MT FOD 6 & IROB Are In Your House

2011-12-06T12:08:00.004-05:00

Once upon a time during the late autumnal days of the First Year of the Gerretsen Gambit in the Limestone City, it came to pass that the Mayor declared that the Kingdom was open for business and with that bold, photo opportunistic proclamation, he launched the Mayor’s Task Force On Development. The MT FOD will be an elite, hand picked unit comprised of four local business leaders and two Elected Representatives, one of which was a former member of the Posse of Georges and a Mayoral cohort and co-conceiver of this stratagem. The MT FOD 6 will be provided with 100,000 tax dollars to ensure the Task Force is well fed while generating digital reports printed on expensive forestry by-products that will enable and increase the Kingdom’s economic development by streamlining the Kingdom’s development process. In other words, City Hall’s Bureaucratic SNAFU and FUBAR approval process has been identified as the bottleneck in the system and the MT FOD 6 will cut the red tape and slap the Heritage Committee out of the way while opening the Kingdom’s gates to more urban sprawl and restaurants.

And while MT FOD 6 awaits approval from the Elected Representatives, the Mayor proclaimed the Kingdom needs yet another Bureaucrat and has created an Intergovernmental Relations Office to be staffed by a professional lobbyist at the cost of 100,000 tax dollars per year. The IROB (Intergovernmental Relations Office Bureaucrat) will be responsible for fishing for Federal and Provincial Government Funding because it appears KEDCO is MIA again and it might be considered a conflict-of-interest if the Mayor asks the Premier of Ontario for money while the Mayor’s father is an Ontario Cabinet Minister. It is also highly unlikely Federal Republican King Stephen will divert money from his tax trough to our Liberal Limestone Kingdom but the Mayor thinks it’s worth $100,000 a year to try.

This all happened after being told taxes will increase 3.5% to maintain the status quo inflationary cost of doing business in the Kingdom. If these issues did not concern the immediate evaporation of our tax dollars we would find this amusing. We also wonder what KEDCO will do now, other than market discounted ticket prices for Sport Tourism events at the K ROCK Centre?

This all happened after being told the Posse of Georges Elected Representative wants to evict peaceful, democratic protesters that occupy the park across from the Limestone City Palace. We need to worry about those occupying City Hall, not those occupying the city’s parks.

During Mayor Mark's Watch 2010 -2011

2011-11-25T09:33:00.009-05:00

We think a lot about public service and how our elected representatives serve us. Quite often we wonder who our elected representatives are actually representing while they make decisions in City Hall.

For those of you keeping score at home, we present for your reading pleasure, a list of City Council decisions made so far during Mayor Mark's Watch.

The 2010-11 List

No questions asked by City Council during 2012 budget deliberation. City Council accepts City departments budgets, approving a 3.5% tax increase as a great accomplishment much to the chagrin of taxpayers.

Council overturns Heritage Committee recommendations regarding Jack Astor's signage.

One garbage bag limit because Kingston is Canada’s Most Sustainable City

Police Services Board requests a 3%+ or $ 1,000,000 budget increase. (Oct.14.2011). This budget request released on same day of enormous drug bust in city. In crime protection, timing is everything.

Heritage Committee: Sends Jack Astor restaurant back to drawing board because their choice of brick for redevelopment of abandoned former bank at King and Brock Street is imposing. Heritage Committee also bans Jack Ass garish neon logo saying “Market Square is no place for corporate branding.” Interesting to note that the Springer Group of Companies owns the building in question adjacent to Springer Market Square, a branded concept if there ever was one, in perpetuity.

Council defers purchasing swamp land @ $33,000+ per acre from local developers for $1,000,000+ deal

Kingston Fire Dept training facility needs another $700,000. This project is spinning into another Grand Theatre fiasco. Dorothy Hector claims “It is what it is.”

City to spend $1,200,000 to reduce Causeway travel time by 2.1 minutes

Dorothy Hector, leader of the Hector 8, feels being a councilor warrants being a full time position and feels the number of Councilors should be reduced.

Council lowers admission fees to new outdoor swimming pool in North End so po’ folks can participate

Hector 8 passes motion that Councillors and City Senior bureaucrats are not to travel together in case of fatalities so the City will not be thrown into leaderless chaos. Who has the launch codes?

Neophyte Elected Representative of the People and Hector 8 lieutenant overwhelmed by council workload

K-Rock Centre fails to meet financial goals. Council lowers financial goals and uses Reserve Fund to cover loss

Train whistle ban in Collins Bay revisited

Grand theatre grand piano purchase

City purchases British Whig building

City wants to build indoor playing field

KROCK CTR doesn’t reach financial goals again

Kingston Police will try to trim $100,000 from 2011 budget rather than $250,000 council asked it to cut. Hey Mayor Mark! We'll try to pay 1% tax increase, ok?

KEDCO wants 2% or $2.5M budget for 2011 salary increases. What is it KEDCO does again? Its only $49K, go ahead Mayor Mark. Taxpayers won't mind.

Limestoned:A Kingston state of mind has budget deliberations of our own to debate. Do we pay the Hydro bill next month or flush the toilet?

Limestone City Council set to raise taxes again.Constantly raising taxes & not controlling spending is UNSUSTAINABLE! Just say no,Mayor Mark

Will KEDCO & DBA stage a Market Square match Poet Laureate vs The Town Crier? That ought to draw tourists once the Poker Run is abandoned.

Now that the City has a Poet Laureate, we are all atwitter to read a poem about the City's Accessibility Committee SNAFU aka The Fix Was In.

Whig reports Council divided over breach of decorum. No decorum at City Hall since John A was an alderman drinking gin in the basement.

The fix was in says Councilor Glover when former chair of the city's accessibility committee not reappointed. Posse of Georges rides again!

City Council looking at environmental sanctions for events at City facilities. Unless city facilities have zero footprint its all codswallop

City Council to limit councillors talk time.Maybe Mayor Mark should allow councillors to voice their opinion in 140 charactersTwitter style.

KEDCO Sports Tourism manager let go after enticing some big sport tourism events.No MCup or RBC Cup.This town still believes its Hockeyville

Aquatic Centre is a hot topic again.

City Council says bottled H2O is ok at KRC. Just putting the stain back into sustainability for the sake of a rink that is not sustainable.

Lame Duck City Council rides their sustainability band wagon through KGH food fight as they head toward the setting sun

Barrack Street Kaffee-Klatsch and Curling Emporium

2011-11-24T07:36:00.004-05:00

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Hurry Hard at the KRC

2011-11-23T07:11:00.003-05:00

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To be continued...

Napanee To Honour Famous Daughter, Upstage Hip Kingstonians

2011-10-20T08:21:00.008-04:00

The Town of Napanee will honour Avril Lavigne with a permanent plaque on Saturday at the Town Hall council chambers.This announcement takes place a few days after Kingston City Council debated honouring their own Tragically Hip.

Meanwhile, in Tragically Hipville, elected officials continue to pontificate the historical significance of Barrack Street, a street so historically insignificant that a former council crammed a white elephant entertainment centre on the site of the original Fort Frontenac, a French trading post and military fort built in 1673 and named for Louis de Buade de Frontenac, Governor of New France.

For those keeping score at home: Napanee 1 Kingston 0

126 Seconds of Transportation Bliss

2011-10-19T09:48:00.005-04:00

Once upon a time during the summer dog days of the First Year of the Gerretsen Gambit in the Limestone City, it came to pass that the LaSalle Causeway traffic woes were once again being addressed by Consultants, Bureaucrats and Democratically Elected Servants of The People. The Consultants were consulted to address the twice daily traffic jam created by personal transportation devices approaching the lift bridge formerly known as the Penny Bridge.

The Consultants, who are paid many municipal tax dollars to say what the Bureaucrats and Democratically Elected Servants of The People can not or would not say, declared that the twice daily traffic woes are a result of the East and West approaches to the Causeway and not the Causeway itself. The Consultants calculated that for $1,200,000.00 spread over ten years of road alterations on both sides of the LaSalle Causeway, an estimated 2.1 minutes of daily travel time across the Great Cataraqui River could be reduced, thus enhancing some Limestone City citizens’ Daily Quality Of Life by 126 seconds.

A great fanfare erupted and the Bureaucrats and Democratically Elected Servants Of The People who sit on the Environment, Infrastructure and Transportation Policies Committee shouted out with glee! So happy with their decision, the Committee also approved a proposal to increase the Kingdom’s public transportation fleet of fossil fuel powered, people moving vehicles from 48 to 63. The proposal will include 15 minute express routes which Kingdom Bureaucrats are guessing will increase ridership to 600,000 fares per year, filling municipal coffers with $7,500,000 versus an annual operating cost of $22,000,000.

This public transportation scheme will not enhance Limestone City citizens’ Daily Quality Of Life by decreasing commute times by 126 seconds or more – as a matter of fact it will increase commute times for most users - but knowing the socialist nature of public transportation and the mind set of conservative, parochial citizens, this investment in the future of our Kingdom will be a municipal loss leader for quite a few years until citizens realize fossil fueled personal transportation devices are unsustainable and not their birthright.

It should be pointed out that these plans to accommodate unsustainable transportation practices are in addition to the 11^th Wonder of the Limestone City, a proposed multi-million dollar bridge over the Cataraqui River known as the 3^rd River Crossing, which would actually be the 4^th River Crossing within the Kingdom, but who’s counting?

$571,428 per reduced minute of daily travel time is all about convenience for a few paid for by the many. We know it is not right, but it is how business is done at Kingston City Hall.

Heritage Committee Rides A Jackass Into Market Square

2011-10-18T08:29:00.004-04:00

Once upon a time during the autumnal days of the First Year of the Gerretsen Gambit in the Limestone City, it came to pass that the Committee to Protect Domes, Cupolas and Ancient Æsthetics of the Kingdom was presented with a conundrum of obscenely brutal proportions involving a long standing vacant concrete bunker adjacent to Historic Market Square. A restaurant conglomerate is proposing a redevelopment of this prime commercial property that is located at the corner of King Street and Brock Street into a branded franchise eatery called Jack Astor’s Restaurant.

The problem facing the burghers of the Committee to Protect Domes, Cupolas and Ancient Æsthetics of the Kingdom is not whether the Limestone City can sustain yet another franchised restaurant that offers the same over priced American style entrees created in a food processing plant two hours away and then transported by a food logistics company directly to a downtown kitchen and served to hungry walking wallets by attractive minimum wage slaves. No, the problem facing the burghers of the Committee to Protect Domes, Cupolas and Ancient Æsthetics of the Kingdom is the dark colour of the brick that is being proposed to clad the concrete bunker. The Committee’s reasoning is the dark colour of the brick will overpower the surrounding architecture by standing out like a jackass in a stable of thoroughbreds. The Committee to Protect Domes, Cupolas and Ancient Æsthetics of the Kingdom has also banned the use of the franchise’s neon branded logo of a jackass for similar reasons, stating “There is no corporate branding around Market Square and the introduction of corporate branding would be an obscene violation of Market Square.”

O, dear reader, we will not insult your intelligence as the Committee to Protect Domes, Cupolas and Ancient Æsthetics of the Kingdom has so blatantly done. We will simply remind you that naming rights for Market Square were sold, in perpetuity, to a corporate brand during the Rosen Mandate and his Posse of Georges reign, for a million dollars. The irony of this matter is not lost on us as the owner of the building in question is also the corporate brand that owns the name of the people’s Market Square.

Kingston: Where parochial dramatic comedy is a way of life.

How Most Kingstonians Spend Buskers Rendezvous

2011-07-15T14:55:00.002-04:00

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Overworked Councilors

2011-07-15T13:42:00.003-04:00

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Follow Dorothy on Twitter and determine for yourself if she is too busy with Council work...

If You Build It, They Will Come Part 2:Dinner & Drinks for 1,200

2011-06-21T11:44:00.004-04:00

Jeff Garrah, aka The Kingston Economic Development Corporation, will soon be issuing a Request For Proposals to build a Conference Centre in the Limestone City because “we lose potentially $50,000,000 a year in business because we don’t have a large enough facility.” Mr. Garrah also says the Municipality might be expected to pay for construction of the Convention Centre, which we’re guessing would be located in the Down Town Spending Zone. Oh and by the way, a private management firm would be hired to run the place.

Say…doesn’t that sound an awful lot like the same business plan as the LVEC / KRC? Have we not learned from our past mistakes?

Mr. Garrah, who is paid with tax dollars, cites economic spinoff as the reason for building the KEDCO CONVENTION CENTRE, stating that conference centres in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Halifax and Ottawa don’t make money and were not built too make money. On the other hand, there is no comparing the Limestone City to those bustling metropolitan areas because afterall, Kingston is a World Class City and certainly the Kingston Convention Centre will pay its own way, simply due to geography, history and festivals. And if the Centre cannot pay its own way, well, apparently that is what taxpayers are for. Pity about our tiny airport, eh?

You are now leaving Kingston: A City Where History Repeats Itself. Please lock the gate on your way out to keep the taxpayers from escaping with their money.

Avoiding Leaderless Chaos

2011-06-20T06:11:00.001-04:00

Councilor Hector pondering leadership

Eight elected representatives of The Limestone City, in their mistaken belief they make the City function, have voted in favour of restricting councilors and City Senior bureaucrats from travelling together in similar fashion as POTUS/VPOTUS. This act would soften the devastating effects of a fatal tragedy to the Limestone City Ruling Class should there ever be a transportation accident involving the Chosen Ones. This would also ensure civic leadership at all times in the Kingdom which is ruled from the Limestone Palace on Ontario Street.

“We need to have someone in charge…” declared Lakeside Councilor Dorothy Hector, suggesting the King’s Towne could be left with a political or administrative void. Apparently Councilor Hector wasn’t referring to the current condition that exists at City Hall.

From this preposterous codswallop spilling forth from the Star Chamber we can only assume all important city business such as affordable housing, infrastructure and public transportation have been dealt with.

For the record, Councilors with an inflated sense of self:
Dorothy Hector, Bryan Paterson, Brian Reitzel, Liz Schell, Jeff Scott, Sandy Berg, Kevin George, Rob Hutchison

Councilors exhibiting common sense:
Mayor Gerretsen, Jim Neill, Rick Downes, Lisa Osanic, Bill Glover

Stay tuned for more adventures of Hector 8: The Chosen Ones

Next Special Interest Group Demand: Off Leash Hen Parks

2011-05-19T07:39:00.004-04:00

Thirty people, ready to start henning, have emerged to form the Kingston Henners Network. They scored a big win Tuesday night when council agreed to pilot their proposed bylaw for two years. The city bylaw has detailed stipulations about where a residential chicken coop can be placed in relation to other buildings. They aren't allowed in front or side yards, must be three metres from neighbouring windows or doors, 7.5 metres from a business or church, and 15 metres from a school.

Once again, a small, special interest group sways the opinion of the elected representatives of the municipal taxpayers.

THE MOST SUSTAINABLE CITY IN CANADA

2011-04-28T06:26:00.001-04:00

This City keeps telling everyone who cares to listen that its goal is be THE MOST SUSTAINABLE CITY IN CANADA. I’m not sure if anyone at 216 Ontario Street has actually thought about what this statement really means. Being sustainable in the context I believe they were referring to is the ability to be self perpetuating and self sufficient but that is not what Council had in mind when they bombastically declared their sustainability intentions. Their plan was to outlaw bottled water and pretty gift wrapping in all municipal buildings as well as banning events that leave an enormous carbon footprint within the limestone walls of Pleasantville Kingston so we can all live happily ever after with a clear conscience. Other than that, the City’s sustainability plan is heavy with words and slight on action.

Here’s what I think they meant: When Council referred to the City in their statement, they were talking about the Corporation of the City of Kingston and not you or me or those other folks living in Rideau Heights who don’t recycle. The City in this grandiose statement refers to all City owned property and operations which, in the grand scheme of things would be a good place to start. Speaking of grand schemes, let’s turn our attention to the Grand Theatre. This old money pit that once hosted Oscar Wilde has been tarted up a couple of times in the last few years but no one thought much about making the theatre fully accessible let alone making the facility sustainable during recent renovations. The City recently raised taxpayer’s ire by announcing the purchase of a $130,000 piano for the theatre. I am of the opinion that spending taxpayer’s money like a drunken sailor is not a sustainable step on their righteous path and that money could have been invested in a more sustainable manner in the form of solar panels placed on the building’s roof to heat water and generate electricity but then again, the City isn’t in the water and energy business, are they? Of course the City is in the water and energy business. If not, what does Jim Keech do?

If the Limestone City were sustainable every single building they own and every service the City provides would be a beacon of alternate energy technology. How sustainable is the Fire Department, a necessary service that relies on fossil fuels and fresh water to operate? How sustainable is the Police Department, Public Works, Kingston Transit? Sure the brand spanking new Police Palace and Invista Centre are LEED certified, but are they sustainable? We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: If it uses fossil fuels, it isn’t sustainable and to be sustainable, we will have to re-imagine and re-invent our world and what we do in it. Thinking those thoughts make a lot of people uncomfortable and frightened so they just don’t think those thoughts because maintaining the status quo is quite comfortable, thank you very much.

A recent Stats Can report listed the Limestone City as an unsustainable, vehicular emissions hell - the worst offender in Canada regarding car exhaust emissions. Kingston, Ontario, aka Canada’s Most Sustainable City – an unsustainable, vehicular emissions hell? It is no secret that Kingstonians love their personal transportation devices and the City of Kingston spends an enormous amount of taxpayer’s money maintaining an infrastructure to allow these personal transportation devices to travel at quite fast speeds to go where ever it is they are going. On the other hand, some citizens would contend that the City doesn’t spend enough of the taxpayer’s money on maintaining roads, which is a common refrain heard in the Spring of the year when Mother Nature leaves her calling card in the form of potholes, chuckling at society’s attempt to provide a thin, smooth layer of asphalt that signifies a designated driving route across an uncooperative, living landscape.

I acknowledge that people need to get from point A to point B and personal transportation devices are a very convenient method for those that can afford them (monthly loan or lease payment to the banksters/ semi-annual insurance premium payment to the shysters for the privilege of being told your vehicle is worthless when you put in a claim/maintenance fees for greasy handed bandits who keep your ride on the road/constantly purchasing fuel to ignite the device’s combustion engine). All of that for convenience although I have heard it said that personal transportation devices give people independence. I don’t agree with the independence claim because to me, being independent means being free from any outside forces that would impose their will on you and independence is the very heart and soul of sustainability. Driving a personal transportation device on a potholed road to nowhere – usually to a spending zone – is not sustainable.

We Feel Fine: Cloistered In A Digital Cocoon

2011-04-26T12:19:00.003-04:00

Much ado about the rising cost of a litre of gas in these parts that is a result of political revolution in Libya. Of course the market is affected because Libya exports oil to Europe and Russia and if that flow is interrupted, demand is perceived to out weigh supply so that makes the oil supply in Canada or more specifically, the Limestone City, more valuable. Of course it has absolutely nothing to do with increased profits for shareholders, eh? But that is not the only thing that keeps me awake at nights.

Here’s what also keeps me awake at night: No one cares that it is the end of the world as we know it, because, well, they feel fine and what can they do about it anyways? As long as we have 4G networks to inanely babble to the world in 140 characters and as long as we have lots of Facebook friends to bolster our self esteem and unlimited incoming and outgoing text messaging or mp3 tunes and video games to cloister ourselves into a self imposed exile in a digital cocoon, we feel fine. We have instant communication with the world, but most North Americans don’t have a lot to say, sending brief tweets into the clouds to let everyone know what we are doing right NOW. I also don’t think it’s about reading what others have to say because most Digital Autistics are too busy producing “content” to consume “content”. These mobile communication devices can be an amazing tool to enhance and organize – a group of 20 year old Egyptians overthrew an 80 year old dictator simply by using technology but over here, not so much. As long as we have energy to recharge our digital devices and power our X-Boxes and huge LCD monitors so we can live vicariously through a pixilated avatar or Hollywood thespian, we feel fine.

Here’s what also keeps me awake at night: No one seems to care that we are ruled by politicians who keep reaching deeper into our pockets for tax increases and Hydro fee increases to pay past massive debts incurred through government mismanagement. No one seems to care that the Premier of Ontario and the Prime Minister of Canada treat citizens as if we are stupid, unconcerned and not paying attention and quite frankly, they know us very well. The latter, Steve Harper, King of Canada, has little use for democratic processes and rules accordingly. Hell, he even refers to his régime as the HARPER GOVERNMENT instead of the GOVERNMENT OF CANADA. This act alone should concern citizens of the Great White North but it doesn’t because, well, it’s only semantics and as we are busy wrapped in our digital cocoon where it really doesn’t affect us, we feel fine.

No one seems to care that peak oil has peaked and the burning of all that fossil fuel is what drives our economy. Every single thing we do on our planet is connected to abundant, affordable oil. Even green energy solutions such as solar panels and wind turbines cannot yet be manufactured without oil. The production and price of food is directly tied to oil. Oil is used to create fertilizers and chemicals to kill weeds that threaten the plants. Oil is used to power the machinery that irrigate the crops, harvests the crops, process the crops into food and deliver the food to your neighbourhood supermarket, if you are fortunate to live in a neighbourhood that has a supermarket. Food for thought - in America, 13% of the population relies on food stamps to feed itself. That is 43,000,000 people if you are interested and more than the complete population of Canada.

Here’s what also keeps me awake at night: There is no real community anymore. Of course there are scattered groups or tribes looking out for themselves but turn off the mobile devices and we are pretty much isolated and on our own. Twitter and Facebook may bring down a dictator and amuse us with manic Charlie Sheen rants, but those forums will not feed us or keep us warm and that is the most basic need we will ever have.

We Believe...

2011-04-21T08:55:00.013-04:00

With the Federal election just around the corner, we thought we would share what we believe are the important issues in this election...

Health care is a more important issue than prison farms, although

Food security is too important to be monopolized by grocery corporations;

Sustainable Alternative Energy sources (e.g. not fossil fuels) are necessary in this Land of Ice & Snow especially when the calendar says Spring and Nature says Winter;

Environment is more important than corporate tax cuts because corporations are in the business of creating money not jobs;

Education and childcare are more important than fighter jets;

Social programs with Canadians taking care of Canadians is more important than American style capitalism and healthcare for those can afford it;

Super Prisons are not necessary when crime rates are decreasing unless being gay and abortion will become criminal acts;

Democracy, transparency, honesty and integrity are more important than the Harper Government Majority Hidden Agenda.

King Harper Swallows!

2011-04-01T08:24:00.005-04:00

King of Canada Steve Harper channels his evil twin Skippy while planning his next dastardly move on the campaign trail in Halifax, NS.

3600 Seconds Of Feel Good Darkness

2011-03-29T07:57:00.002-04:00

We didn’t turn our lights off for Earth Hour. We didn’t burn candles to appease the Great Provider, Hydro One. We didn’t bother to give Mother Earth a scheduled, brief respite from green house gases. We don’t participate in amateur hours or Eco-lite because we are not energy gluttons and our daily lifestyle is based on conservation, not consumption.

Here’s what we didn’t do on Earth Hour Weekend… we didn’t use our natural gas mid efficiency furnace to provide heat because the woodstove and the sun radiated enough BTU’s throughout our humble abode. We didn’t illuminate the whole house when darkness fell, choosing instead, as always, to restrict electricity usage to the space we occupy with compact fluorescent bulbs in every fixture providing light.

We did not Tweet, Face Book, download, upload, surf, text or even talk on cell phones.

We did not use our personal transportation device (from 4pm Friday to 7am Monday = 63 Earth Hours) to frequent various spending zones and entertainment centers throughout Kingston and therefore did not contribute to the economic growth or ecological decline of our municipality.

Here’s what we did on Earth Hour Weekend…we laundered our clothes in cold water and hung them outside on the clothesline to dry in the sun. We walked outside, split wood and carried wood to keep the home fire burning. We read newspapers and books and talked and laughed. We tended to our heirloom tomato and pepper plants that have burst forth from seed. We cooked our meals from scratch and savoured wine from our basement vintage. We drank chilled tap water to slake our thirst.

It was not the end of the world as we know it and we felt fine.

K-Rock Centre’s 2011 Annual Failure To Operate Plan

2011-03-22T09:57:00.007-04:00

Just a couple of items that caught our attention from the K-Rock Centre’s 2011 Annual Operating Plan/Budget Report to Council which will be on the agenda tonight:

“…it should be noted that the overall ice rentals in the City’s arena system has not experienced any significant growth in the past 3 years. The projections for ice rentals at the K-Rock Centre were ambitious and reflected total annual ice rentals of approximately 2,000 hours. In 2010, the ice had been rented for approximately 600 hours (an increase of 20% over the 2009 total of 500 hours). Part of this is attributable to the increase usage from Queens University as a result of the closing of theHarold Harvey arena. It is not anticipated that the rate of growth will be as great in 2011.”

WTF? To much ice time and not enough users. Well how about installing sports turf and let the soccer fiends have at it? We don't need no stinking City owned soccer dome when our sports entertainment centre sits idle.

“…Naming/advertising revenues are tracking at about $85K less than originally anticipated. This is largely the result of a 2008-2010 cumulative adjustment to sponsorship and advertising to reflect the agreed upon cost-sharing of sponsorship/advertising revenues with the Kingston Frontenacs. As well, there remain many opportunities to enhance this revenue stream as the advertising revenues are not currently being optimized.”

So why don’t the sales people jump on the many opportunities to enhance this revenue stream? Is it because the salespeople on payroll can’t close the deal?

"...The Frontenacs’ events revenue is approximately $455K short of the business plan expectations."

Of course. It is to be expected and we bet there will be only two more home games this year vs the 'Shawa.

For the years 2008-2010 inclusive, the K-Rock Centre has relied on some level of Municipal Capital Reserve Fund (MCRF) funding in order to meet its debt obligations. Albeit unplanned, the reliance on this fund to meet debt obligations is consistent with the use of MCRF funds to assist in the financing and debt-servicing of a variety of municipal infrastructure projects including the Invista Centre and the Grand Theatre projects. The facility is an asset owned by the City with a useful life expected to exceed 50 years, with a debt term of 30 years.

So as long as the MCRF is there to provide financing, life is good, eh?

The City has invested in energy retrofit measures at the K-Rock Centre that are expected to yield approximately $40K in annual savings to help offset rising utility costs.

Retrofit?!? Its a brand frigging new building.

It is not a coincidence the Operating Plan/ Budget Report is littered with the following action verbs: Ambitious; adjusting; expectations; opportunities; anticipated; expected

We would be amused if we didn't pay taxes in this town...

Exploring The Edges of Digital Autism

2011-03-22T06:45:00.001-04:00

bureaucratdotca said in a recent comment to my last post...
"You were pretty quiet during the election...get off your ass and post regularly."

Dear Bureaucratdotca,

We have recently been exploring the edges of digital autism (like most connected folks who think frequenting Social Networks is the opposite of anti-social behaviour) darting among the Twitterati from Limestoned World Headquarters . We have also been hanging out at the comment section of the Whig Standard practising our heckling and typing skills and occasionally firing up the blog when we have something more than 140 characters to say.

In addition to ejaculating our opinion throughout the interweb, we have been practising the ancient art of reading books. Remember those? Here's a good one - Deer Hunting With Jesus:Dispatches from America's Class War - a fine read that we would highly recommend to anyone stopping by. We have also been working on other projects involving written words and are suffering a case of March Madness Bracketitis and of course it is almost baseball season. So as you can see, even though we appear to have been on our ass, we have not been idle.

But thanks for asking, eh?

Sincerely,

The Limestoned Janitors

RANT: Why We Give A Rat's Ass About Our Town

2011-03-04T14:59:00.005-05:00

For a while we lost the will to be engaged with the goings-on in this City and were ready to become one of the mass of indifferent citizens who don’t give a rat’s ass about what happens at City Hall.

The majority of people living in this Garrison Prison Varsity Tourist Town really don’t care about the decisions made by City Council, the Provincial Government and King Steven of Canada. The citizens of Kingston know their taxes will be raised each year because there are not any elected representatives with enough balls to say NO to all the municipal departments lining up at the tax dollar trough and besides, what can be done about it? The citizens of Kingston know the provincial government is raising hydro rates after decades of providing such insanely cheap electricity that it might as well have been free and again, what can they do about it? The citizens of Kingston know our country is being run by a mud slinging control freak with an obscene disregard for democracy but what can they do about it?

These are concerns I discussed with George, while having a few pints in front of the televised football spectacle known as the Super Bowl. George is not his real name, but it’ll do for our purposes, and he has lived in the Limestone City’s North End all his life. George is a member of the baby boomer generation and could be described as working poor, that is, if he were working. George was employed as a janitor at one of the institutions in the Garrison Prison Varsity Tourist Town until one day his middle-aged body gave up on him and he became clinically disabled in the eyes of his employer and the disability insurance provider reluctantly provided until the filthy rich insurance company forced him to apply for Canada Pension Disability Benefits.

As a former card carrying union janitor, George earned a decent buck and enjoyed life on the lower rung of the upwardly mobile middle class in the Limestone City which was not too bad for an unskilled labourer with a grade 12 diploma. George’s wife contributes to the family’s income but like many in this city, she is unskilled (as if the one-time stay-at-home mother of now grown adult children can be classified as unskilled) and underemployed and can only find part-time work. Like most other people in similar circumstances, there were meager savings to fall back on and George’s monthly income took an awful whack as he now receives less than two-thirds of his previous wage. As a result of financial choices throughout their life, George and his wife pay rent and do not own their home and as he says, “don’t pay property taxes to the bastards at City Hall and none of them are worth voting for.”

I’ve known George for many years and there is no use in reminding him that a portion of his rent payment is used by his landlord to pay taxes on the place where he lives. God love him but in his mind, he doesn’t pay taxes so therefore municipal politics don’t affect him. Due to his medical condition he no longer drives and probably couldn’t afford to feed and care for a personal transportation device anyway, so the state of city roads doesn’t concern him any more but now that S&R is no longer in business George relies on his daughter to provide transportation to the west end Wal*Mart.

He used to be able to walk to the old Shit & Rubbish store and other than the occasional treat at the Chip Truck across from Pan Chancho, George has never frequented any Downtown Kingston eateries, saloons or events at the K-Rock Centre. East Side Mario’s, Pizza Hut and KFC are his preferred restaurants when he and his wife treat themselves to a restaurant meal and “why the hell should I pay to watch the Frontenacs when they are on cable TV that I already pay for anyway?”

Most of George’s meals at home are eaten in front of the television where he watches Sports Centre, the only ‘news’ he is really interested in watching. Occasionally he will watch CKWS news and will read a Whig Standard if someone gives him one to read because he “stopped buying it years ago because there’s nothing in it.” If George and his wife want an occasional night out on the town, they catch the Casino Shuttle to Gananoque and play the cheap slots for a few hours, losing more than they win but “you never know -you can’t win unless you play.” George’s main concern these days is having enough money to pay the rent, the utilities bill, the cable bill and buy groceries. His medication is covered by his insurance plan which is provided by his former employer.

George is struggling to survive in a capitalist world on a fixed income so you can understand why he doesn’t give a rat’s ass about municipal, provincial and federal politics even though that is the exact reason he and people in similar situations should give a rat’s ass. Politicians at all levels of government are quite pleased when tax paying citizens don’t care how they govern although none of them are honest enough or foolish enough to admit it.

When only about a third of the citizens in this Garrison Prison Varsity Tourist Town bothered to exercise their democratic right to vote in the recent municipal election, taxpayers need all the people they can muster to pay attention to all the hijinks happening at City Hall under Mayor Mark’s watch.

This is our town, Mark. Handle it with care and represent all the citizens, even the ones who don’t give a rat’s ass. The Limestone City is our home, not a stepping stone for your political ambition.

We are now politically engaged...

Happy Birthday Sir John A!

2011-01-11T06:19:00.002-05:00

click on image to enlarge

Twas The Night Before Christmas

2010-12-21T07:34:00.003-05:00

click cartoon to enlarge image

‘ Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through the Limestone City
Not a beggar was begging,
Earning coins from their pity.

The stockings were hung
Through Council Chambers with care,
In hopes that Mayor Mark
Soon would be there.

But the Mayor was tweet-tweeting
At yet another Charity dinner,
Social media meet photo op –
BTW-Photo Shop makes one slimmer.

Like a Friendly Giant Gulliver
Squeezed into a kindergarten sized chair,
Lunching with Rusty and Gerome,
Two kids who’ve never heard of the Mayor.

Meanwhile…

The Councillors were nestled
All snug in their beds,
While visions of 3rd crossings and aquatic centers
Danced in their heads.

And Mama pouring 33 Vines
While I snapped a Keith’s IPA cap,
Before twisting a Yule doobie
To prepare our minds for a winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains as Mama hid the stash.

When, what to my dilated eyes should appear,
But that rascal Johnny Macdonald looking for beer.
He stumbled, teetered and belched “Good Evening my man,
Season’s Greetings to you” as he extended his hand.

He accepted a Keith’s - drank deeply
Then offered this bitter pill.
“Ol’ Alex is still an eastern scoundrel,
Selling overpriced bootlegger’s swill.”

To what do we own this pleasure? I asked,
As I welcomed him into our home.
You’re a long way from Bellevue House,
He said: “I’ve been known to roam.”

John A seemed to be out of sorts,
So I asked what was troubling his thought.
He humm’d and haaw’d, cleared his throat
And said - “That waterfront dry-dock.”

“I only did it to help this Town” he said,
Referring to the Historical Society endorsed book.
“They’re digging dirt and scandal,
Those bastards are calling me a crook.”

Mama sensed the Chieftain’s mood had changed,
So she sparked British Columbia’s finest bud.
Johnny sampled Craigellachie’s tonic herbe,
Before mimicking the Last Spike’s thud.

“I helped build this land,” he snorted,
“Saved her from the Yanks!” he did exclaim.
“From the East to West and points between,
United this vast land with a train.”

He finally mellowed out and giggled,
Spotting and devouring the Cheezies in a bowl.
“Let’s talk local politics,” he said with an orange grin,
“I hear there’s talk of a year-round swimming hole.”

I explained Special Interest Groups are content
To lobby the City to its financial brink.
“When did swimming become a winter sport?” John A asked,
“Are they not satisfied with the new rink?”

“To everything, there is a season,”
Our wise Christmas visitor did remark.
“What’ll they think of next, my friend?
I dare say - a dome over Megaffin Park?”

“Another bridge over the Cataraqui River,
I’m afraid, has passed its prime.
Invest in future public transportation,
Instead of wasting energy, breath and time.”

“Now is KEDCO a City funded agency,
Or a puppet of the ruling Business Class?
Are they Tourism Marketers or Industry Lobbyists?
Me thinks they need a swift kick to the ass.”

“All in all, I do declare,
I like what you’ve done with the place.
But what’s up with all the sushi & poutine joints
Filling up prime retail space?”

With a wink of his eye and a nod of his head
He implored I remember the words he had said.
With one final toke he got up to go,
Laughing and giggling, weaving to and fro.

“I’m off to see my friend Arthur, he loves a lark!
He’s that fellow who likes to drink whiskey in my park.
Glad we could chat and visit for a while,”
He shook my hand, farted and left with a smile.

Traipsing through snow, John A was almost out of sight
When he looked back and shouted:
“Merry Christmas to all! Keep up the good fight!”

The Limestoned Janitors would like to thank you for your readership as we head into our 6th year of Limestoned: A Kingston state of mind.

Imagine

2010-12-08T14:31:00.003-05:00

John Winston Ono Lennon 9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980

click images to enlarge

"ARREST IF AT ALL POSSIBLE"

Acting FBI Director Gray received an airtel (HQ-24) from the New York FBI office, dated July 27, suggesting that it be "emphasized" to "local Law Enforcement Agencies" in Miami that Lennon should be "arrested if at all possible on possession of narcotics charg." The New York office provided a helpful explanation: "Local INS has very loose case in NY for deporting subject. . . . if LENNON were to be arrested . . . he would become more likely to be immediately deportable." This memo sounds like a proposal to set Lennon up for a drug bust. The ACLU cited this passage as evidence that the FBI was engaged in an "abuse of its authority in order to neutralize dissent."

THE "WANTED" POSTER The FBI prepared a "wanted" style flyer for distribution to local law enforcement agencies in Miami to facilitate the arrest of Lennon (HQ-24 page 5). Although he had one of the most famous faces in the Western world at this point, the FBI apparently was not confident that local police would be able to recognize the ex-Beatle. The photo, however, is not of Lennon but rather David Peel, an East Village street singer who had become friends with Lennon and who had an album released on Apple records that year.

Limestoned Really Is A Kingston State of Mind

2010-12-02T12:54:00.007-05:00

On CKWS TV news last night, Gerry Sutton was interviewed because he is quite upset after he was ticketed recently in a traffic blitz by the Kingston Police Force. The cops have been out in full force at traffic light intersections to enforce traffic laws. Mr. Sutton was ticketed for failing to stop on an amber or red light. He is lodging a formal complaint because the cops didn’t give advance warning that they were going to enforce the law.

It really is important to bring this to your attention, dear readers, because if we made this shit up, you wouldn't believe us.

Limestoned: A Kingston state of mind thanks you for your readership.

There Has To Be An Election Over This

2010-11-26T04:56:00.000-05:00

You may have missed this...

King of Canada Steve Harper, speaking about the Senate in 2005: “An appointed Senate is a relic of the 19th century.”

And again in 2004: “I will not name appointed people to the Senate. Anyone who sits in the Parliament of Canada must be elected by the people they represent.”

Two weeks ago, the Senate, now stacked with appointed Conservatives, killed Bill C-311, the Climate Change Accountability Act that had been passed by the elected House of Commons.

Bill C-311 would commit the country to a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020. The only reason Bill C-311 passed is that the anti-climate-action Harper government has just one-third of the votes.

What Harper did is Parliamentary trickery and an ABUSE OF DEMOCRACY. Then he tried to pass a bill to reform the Senate, on his terms so he could say the Loyal Opposition didn't want to reform the Senate.

The King of Canada thinks Canadians are morons but he also knows most don't care.

What A Long, Strange Trip Its Been...

2010-11-18T10:41:00.002-05:00

And as the Legacy Seekers drive their Sustainability Bandwagon into the setting sun, the outgoing eight – Foster, Garrison, MacLeod-Kane, Matheson, Meers, Rosen, Schmolka and Smith – pass through the Gates of Limestone City Public Life back to the more mundane yet important role of taxpaying citizen of Kingston.

At Limestoned World Headquarters, we didn’t always agree or disagree with your ideas but you sure made politics interesting in this old parochial town. Thank you for your years of public service to our City.

Next!

Legacy Seekers Still Tilting At Sustainability Windmills

2010-11-17T11:06:00.006-05:00

The lame duck City Council who so desperately wanted to leave a legacy, unveiled their swan song, a familiar Quixotesque tune of sustainability, calling for Kingston General Hospital to reject a plan to ship processed food from Toronto.

Councillor Garrison who adopted the motion, which was passed by a 7-5 vote, claims the proposal to transport food from the Big Smoke to the Limestone City didn't fit in with the city's plan to be more sustainable. Talk about putting the stain in sustainability.

According to the Eloquent Archaic Vocabulary Councillor Bill Glover of Staurtville, it was "egregious" that KGH officals were not in attendance to defend the proposed food plan.

Voting for the motion were councillors Steve Garrison, Rob Hutchison, Joyce MacLeod-Kane, Rob Matheson, Sara Meers, Lisa Osanic and Vicki Schmolka. Opposed were councillors Mark Gerretsen, Bill Glover, Ed Smith and Leonore Foster and Mayor Harvey Rosen. Absent was Councillor Dorothy Hector.

Eventually, some where, sometime probably when gas and diesel costs more than $8/L and bio-fuels are eating up all the grain and corn and the electrical grid is overloaded with people plugging in their electric pesonal transportation devices, everything will be sourced locally. Until then its status quo, all goods consumed in the Limestone City will be transported here from elsewhere. Even if a local company took over the food prep at KGH, where in the Hills of North Division Street do you think the food will come from?

Well in this case, KGH has hired the Compass Group PLC.

Who's that, you ask?

COMPASS GROUP PLC: Compass Group North America is a division of Compass Group PLC, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Compass Group is the world’s leading foodservice company. The Group operates in over 50 countries, with leading market positions in the UK, Continental Europe, Australia and the US, combined with business in developing markets in Eastern Europe, South America and Asia. Compass Group employs approximately 386,000 associates worldwide. The Group had revenues of ₤13.4 billion in the year ending September 30, 2009.

Compass Group has become the global leader in contract foodservice and hospitality through a simple recipe: great people, great service, great results. This easy-to-follow recipe serves millions, from vending to restaurants, from corporate cafes to school lunches. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are good that you’ve tasted Compass Group’s food and unmistakable service.

Just thought you would like to know...

As Don Quixote says - "Hunger is the best sauce in the world."

VIA Rail To Preserve Stations...Elsewhere.

2010-11-11T12:10:00.005-05:00

Kingston Outer train station

VIA Rail announced plans to upgrade the Brockville and Belleville VIA stations and in a move that snubs the Limestone City, the Feds will preserve both the old Belleville station -circa 1856 - as a museum and the Brockville heritage station -circa 1872.

Meanwhile, the Montreal Street Outer Station, constructed in 1855-56 by Grand Trunk Railroad Co., continues to crumble.

You don't think that has anything to do with this riding being Liberal, do you? WWBAD?*

*What Would Brian Abrams Do?

11.11

2010-11-11T08:18:00.001-05:00

Remember...

Posse of Georges Cohorts Seek New Political Life

2010-11-05T10:53:00.005-04:00

Bittu George

Harvey Rosen

Two members of the Limestone City Posse of Georges want to represent you on Parliament Hill. Bittu George and Harvey Rosen are seeking the Kingston & the Islands Liberal nomination this weekend at the Posse of Georges Palace (aka LVEC, K-Rock Centre) on Barrack Street and hope to ride the Federal Gravy Train.

Just say no.

It Is All About Convenience

2010-11-03T06:16:00.002-04:00

Everything is connected in the Limestone City. We've been thinking about this since City Hall sent out an edict to canvass the citizens for their opinion on the unsustainable event known as the Poker Run.

EVERYTHING in the Limestone City is unsustainable, especially transportation.

The Downtown merchants, saloons and restaurants are unsustainable even though a few may prepare some dishes with locally grown food or pour basement fermented beer. Even those responsible acts involve the use of fossil fuels somewhere along the line. We would hazard a guess that probably 99% of all goods sold in every retail operation in this City, be it Downtown, the Cataraqui Centre and the sprawling Rio Can Centre are not manufactured anywhere near the Limestone City and need to be trucked to town.

What is the biggest complaint or inconvenience about Downtown? No Parking for unsustainable, personal, fossil fueled, transportation devices. And don’t even think that electric cars or ethanol fuel will save our convenient way of life in the Limestone City. The electrical grid is already fragile and unsustainable and how much would it cost to create an infrastructure of recharging stations to replace gas stations? Growing corn or other grains for fuel when billions are starving on this planet is just wrong, but morals are seldom seen when money is involved.

So how will citizens move around this sprawling unsustainable community? Kingston Transit is an option if you have time to spare and don’t mind walking. For folks living, working, shopping and seeking entertainment all located on a major bus route, transportation is a bargain at $65 a month. For other folks, it is not such a good thing and very inconvenient. That is why there are so many vehicles transporting one person (the driver) on Limestone City streets and it is why the City feels the need to proceed with the 11th Wonder of the Limestone City, a proposed multi-million dollar bridge over the Cataraqui River known as the 3rd River Crossing.

The reason folks on the east side of the River feel they need another bridge is because twice a day there is an inconvenience when traffic congests the road leading into and from the downtown. This could have serious consequences related to emergency services they contend.

But mainly it is all about convenience.

A sustainable way of life comes down to the citizens. It comes down to choices of convenience, and ultimately it comes to choices of cost, because everything comes down to money. And politicians love to tax and spend because taxing citizens who don't vote is easier to do than saying no to City staff.

Hey LaSalle Causeway! You Don't Know Gridlock Like Gardiner's Road

2010-11-02T07:56:00.003-04:00

If you happened to be in the West End on Saturday you would have witnessed traffic gridlock that would humble those on the east side of the Cataraqui River and make the LaSalle Causeway seem like a freeway.

Of course the unsustainable vehicles were transporting citizens enroute to a “Holiday” shopping frenzy. Yes, dear reader, Hallowe’en in the Limestone City is big business as the merchants dance around the cash register singing “What a friend we have in the Devil”, followed by the Christmas season which begins November 1st- WTF!- and the tune changes to “What a friend we have in Jesus.”

NOTE TO CITY HALL: Next election set up polling booths in malls on Saturday and Sunday. That would rock the vote, eh?

Election Way Back Machine...

2010-10-29T08:55:00.004-04:00

Kevin George vows to freeze arena plan

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

MUNICIPAL ELECTION - An election promise to freeze - and possibly stop - construction of the downtown arena has stunned those running against Kevin George for the city's top job.

George told The Whig-Standard yesterday that if elected as mayor, he would ask council to reconsider the $41.8-million project because the price is likely to increase as work continues.

"And who the hell is going to pay for that? It's going to go back on the shoulders of the taxpayers and that's something I'm not willing to do," George said. "In my view, it has to be stopped."

When told of the announcement, his two rivals were incredulous. "For almost two-and-a-half years I've been taking a sh--kicking on the LVEC," said Councillor Rick Downes. "Where was Kevin George when the people of Kingston needed him the most?"

It kind of takes your breath away, doesn't it? We are looking forward to the Reunion of the Partial Posse of Georges. Ain't politics grand?

All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace

2010-10-27T09:28:00.007-04:00

Just when you thought social media was a modern, efficient way of communicating with your tribe, a Kingston Ontario judge took it a step further and has allowed service on a family law defendant by Facebook.

BTW -you can read Richard Brautigan's poem here.

Be leery, my friends.

The People's Choice or The 31% Solution

2010-10-26T08:04:00.005-04:00

Mayor Elect Gerretsen

Mark Gerretsen was elected as Mayor with an approval rating of 56%, garnering 17,000 of 30,000 votes cast yesterday. Gerretsen received 10,000 more votes than his closest rival, Rob Matheson, for the right to the Keys To The Kingdom.

The citizens also voted for change as incumbent councillors Joyce Macleod-Kane, Vicki Schmolka and Ed Smith were ousted from the Limestone Palace Horseshoe.

Lakeside's Dorothy Hector barely hung on to her seat thanks to strong support for two other Lakeside candidates, Joan Jardin, who earned 869 votes and Mark Bain, who received 840 votes. Hector received 1,157 votes, only 32% of the vote which is not a very strong mandate for a politician. Interviewed on Cogeco TV last night, Hector thanked the two gentlemen (Bain and Doug Cameron)for running fine campaigns.

Thank you indeed for the vote splitting, eh, Dot?

Posse of George members Kevin George and Rick Downes were elected to council again, as were necomers Jeff Scott ( Macleod-Kane's former campaign manager) who won in Countryside; Sandy Berg in Kingscourt; Brian Reitzel in Pittsburg; Liz Schell in Portsmouth; Bryan Paterson, who defeated Schmolka in Trillium district.

Returning veterans are Rob Hutchison in King's Town; Lisa Osanic -acclaimed in Collins Bayridge; Bill Glover in Sydenham and Jim Neill, who took the Williamsville seat from incumbent Ed Smith.

Vote Early & Vote Often!

2010-10-25T08:27:00.004-04:00

"Hell, I never vote for anybody, I always vote against."

WC Fields.

"If God had wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates."

Jay Leno

But seriously...

"Nobody will ever deprive the people of the right to vote except the people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting."

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Something In The Air...

2010-10-22T08:04:00.003-04:00

Say...isn't Jeffrey Lowes, who is running for City Council in the Cataraqui District, the same fellow who sued Mark Gerretsen's daddy over the Provincial Pesticide Ban?

Thinking About The Mayoral Race

2010-10-20T11:16:00.003-04:00

We recall a few years ago viewing a power-point presentation from business guru Tom Peters, while searching for excellence, which introduced the following insight:

The # 1 ranked swordsman in the world does not and should not fear the #2 ranked sword fighter in the world because # 1 knows what to expect from #2. The top swordsman should fear the person who knows nothing about sword fighting because that person will do something unexpected, out of the realm of fencing conventional wisdom.

If we apply that logic to the Limestone City Mayoral race and just for fun say Barrie Chalmers is the person who knows absolutely nothing about the secret, inner workings of City Hall and Council, should the other two candidates be concerned? Should the citizens be concerned?

The Mayor is but one vote and one voice in the Council cacophony, so the question becomes which candidate has the ability to remain calm when challenged or when things don’t go as planned? Which candidate has the ability to build consensus among Council? Which candidate is running to try to help the City he loves instead of padding a CV for future endeavors? Which candidate will project an acceptable image and be a spokesperson for the Limestone City? Which candidate will best represent the people and be cautious with their tax dollars?

Before you cast your vote, remember that democracies elect the government they deserve…

Gerretsen Calls Chalmers Tax Cut Plan Naive!

2010-10-19T12:10:00.006-04:00

Mark Gerretsen

Mayoral candidate Barrie Chalmers' plan to cut property taxes by 2% per year is naive, says fellow mayoral wannabe, Mark Gerresten. Gerretsen said "It's very naive of somebody to say it's possible to roll taxes back," as it would result in staff cuts and reduced services.

In December 2009 we posted the following: Why is it that real businesses make do with no increase in spending when facing financially tough times? Well, Municipalities haven't faced tough financial times because they increase taxes to maintain the status quo, even though they threaten service levels will drop. And then they give pay increases to municipal staff that they negotiated in the past, which is subsidized by taxpayers who may not have had a pay raise in quite some time.

So we have a Tax & Spend politician and a politician who wants to think creatively(we will reserve judgement until we hear the plan) when it comes to tax dollars. Any dime a dozen politician can raise taxes but a politician who says he will cut taxes, why that is just unheard of in this Parochial Government City feeding at the public trough.

Business understands that sooner or later spending has to be curbed. Municipal government doesn't.

We are not endorsing one candidate over the other, but Mr. Chalmers has got our attention.

Food For Thought

2010-10-04T11:32:00.001-04:00

Can Kingston feed itself? What if the Loblaw, Metro, Sysco and other food supply chains came to a standstill, say from fuel scarcity or some other man made or natural disaster? Without major grocery supply chains delivering real food (and we’re talking fruit, vegetables, not the processed stuff that passes for food), how long before chaos hits the streets of the Limestone City?

Panic would strike day one. Day two would be pandemonium. Day three, shelves would be bare. The City would become very quiet and still because if food supply chains aren’t working, there’s a good chance that other supply chains providing gasoline and diesel fuel would fail as well. Just for good measure, let’s imagine the electrical grid goes down and your cell phone and computer network is disabled. Just as well, because Twitter and Facebook won’t feed you and keep you warm.

So the real question becomes: Can you feed yourself? How sustainable is your pantry?

Mayor to Councillor: Out Of Order!

2010-09-22T12:51:00.005-04:00

We sure are going to miss the exchanges between Councillor Garrison and the Mayor...

After all the amount of time and bluster Council has spent over windows in a heritage building in Sydenham Ward, Council was ready to rubber stamp redevelopment and the in-filling of green spaces at the 780 Division Street housing complex simply because it is the North End.

Councillor Garrison made a statement that this development is happening because it is NOT a Barriefield address, which the Mayor called out of order.

To which Councillor Garrison replied, "It certainly is."

We don't make this stuff up, folks...

The Election Cut & Paste Scandal - Oh My!

2010-09-21T10:54:00.004-04:00

The first 2010 Municipal Election Campaign scandal got off to a roaring start courtesy of the Whig Standard with words flying between different district councilors over words posted on Councillor Ed Smith’s website. The testimonials attributed to Councillor Smith were from Councillors Hutchinson and Osanic quotes cut and pasted from a March 2010 Kingston Life article written by former Whig staffer Harvey Schachter.

He said: "Ed is intelligent. He often has useful contributions to the debate, especially at the committee level." - Rob Hutchinson

She said: "He keeps us grounded on the economy. Sometimes you can get carried away with sustainability – seeking the perfect world –but Ed brings you back to reality.” – Lisa Osanic

They both said: “It was taken out of context.”

So what does Councillor Smith think about this “news article” posted in the Whig Standard? Smith said if his fellow councillors didn't have anything nice to say about him, they shouldn't have said anything at all.

If only Councillor Garrison were sticking around he could lead us in a chorus of Kumbaya.

“Someone’s smiling, Lord, Kumbaya…”

The Battle For Barriefield Decided By Lame Duck

2010-09-08T10:34:00.005-04:00

Mark Gerretsen, Bill Glover, Joyce MacLeod-Kane, Harvey Rosen, Ed Smith and Leonore Foster fire the final volley in the Battle For Barriefield.

Relieved Barriefield gentry celebrate their victory

The Battle for Barriefield came to an end last night as members of the Lame Duck Brigade(Mark Gerretsen, Bill Glover, Joyce MacLeod-Kane, Harvey Rosen, Ed Smith and Leonore Foster) voted against proceeding with the affordable housing proposal to be located in the eastend village.

Now the City can herd the poor and disadvantaged where they belong - the North End, hard by the Police Palace at Division Street and Barbara Avenue.

So Long, Summer Holidays...

2010-09-03T12:38:00.002-04:00

click cartoon to enlarge image

Have a Happy Labour Day Weekend

Pot Reduces Anxiety, Pain and Improves Mood

2010-08-30T10:35:00.005-04:00

A small dose of marijuana can help reduce pain, improve sleep and reduce anxiety, a landmark study published today has found, according to the Kingston Whig Standard.

"Our results support the claim that smoked cannabis reduces pain, improves mood and helps sleep," write the researchers from McGill University in Montreal.

Here at Limestoned World Headquarters, we’ve been researching marijuana for decades although who knew we could apply for government money to fund our ongoing “research”.

Silly us...

Intermission

2010-07-23T15:06:00.004-04:00

See you in September.

Keep the faith, keep the Limestone City politicians on the straight and narrow and remember, "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro..."

3rd Crossing, Part 69

2010-07-19T12:55:00.001-04:00

click cartoon to enlarge image

The Battle For Barriefield Continues...

2010-07-16T06:18:00.001-04:00

Tenants of Barriefield Affordable Housing Units playing in the N.I.M.B. Yard

The latest turn of events in the Battle For Barriefield has the Barriefield Village Association hiring a heritage planner to create an affordable housing design that blends with the Village’s Historic designation.

At least the Villagers have moved beyond NIMBYism but now seem to be flirting with the Stockholm Syndrome.

Meanwhile, As The Mayor Focuses On The Liberal Nomination...

2010-07-15T08:17:00.004-04:00

Here’s an item that may have gone unnoticed but it certainly could have a huge impact on the Limestone City:

Bruce Power has applied for a licence to use the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River to ship 16 decommissioned steam generators from its plant on Lake Huron to Sweden for recycling. In case you haven't noticed lately, the Limestone City is where the Great Lakes meet the St. Lawrence River.

Ruth Lovell Stanners, the mayor of Owen Sound, Ont., said she is concerned that an accident could happen even before the generators are on the water, while they are being transferred on land to her city's port, the intended departure point. She said Bruce Power told her the process is safe.

“My response to that was, ‘That's probably what was told to the people who lived in the Texas-Gulf area by British Petroleum.’ Nothing is 100 per cent safe,” she said. “If some of the steam generators would become dislodged, our water treatment plant is not far away.”

And City Council thinks the Poker Run is an an unsustainable event...

Renewed Cries For 3rd Crossing

2010-07-08T12:14:00.010-04:00

Commuters were outraged at the traffic snarl in the Limestone City the other day due to a deadly crash that closed the 401 and are now demanding the 3rd Crossing move full speed ahead.

Meanwhile in Historic Barriefield, life goes on...

Next time you find yourself stuck in traffic, we highly recommend reading this book.

The Limestone City is currently under siege from Busking Barbarians so we are leaving town.

Stay cool, my friends. Thanks for your readership...

Ted Hsu, Candidate For Liberal Nomination

2010-07-07T12:56:00.004-04:00

Last night Ted Hsu announced he is a candidate for Federal Liberal Nomination, Kingston and the Islands.

This would be the same nomination process Mayor Rosen is interested in - if there is support.

Check out his credentials at www.tedhsu.com because haven't we had enough of Big Harv?

Gerretsen Runs For Limestone City Mayor

2010-06-14T12:57:00.004-04:00

"I believe that what is important is that local government take a balanced approach to becoming Canada's most sustainable city. As your candidate for mayor, I will take a balanced approach to the progression of our great city, an approach that stimulates the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of Kingston."

So says Mark Gerretsen, the fifth candidate who wants to be Mayor of the Limestone City.

We don't know what his balanced approach to the progression of our great city will be other than an approach to stimulate the pillars of sustainability.

Next!

We can't wait for the return of the Posse of Georges...

Matheson Makes Move For Mayor's Chair

2010-06-09T07:58:00.004-04:00

Rob Matheson, city councillor for Loyalist-Cataraqui district, is the fourth contender for the Limestone City's top job. Matheson's main plank in his platform is his ability to be a consensus builder and feels the person wearing the burden of the chain of office should be fair and not talk much.

The bilingual politician claims to be bipartisan when it comes to City council matters and considers himself the peacemaker on council. Matheson is hopeful that he can advance the City's sustainable vision with increased public transportation and by promoting walking and cycling as alternate means of getting around and is aware of greenhouse gases and peak oil. He also believes one should think globally and act locally.

"Kingston is a world class city that needs a leader with a world vision," says Matheson, who wants to build the bridge across the Cataraqui River and will proceed with the aquatic centre if outside money is involved. He also thinks lowering ticket price to Frontenac games will fill the empty K-Rock Centre. [We have a hunch Matheson is not being endorsed by the business community...]

Mark Gerretsen is expected to announce his plans to run for Mayor as he has scheduled a news conference for Thursday.

Used Car Salesman Throws Hat In Ring

2010-06-03T07:43:00.001-04:00

Barrie Chalmers, a QECVI alumnus and used car salesman has declared his intention to be the Limestone City’s next mayor. His platform is based on sensible fiscal management and helping local businesses gentrify boarded up storefronts in the City midtown.

A political neophyte, Chalmers is the third candidate who wants to wear the gaudy chain of office, along with former councillor Rick Downes and Greg Soucie, who is running a campaign without media support from the fringes.

Most people give more thought to purchasing a used car than they do in choosing a Mayoral candidate.

Will this City support a salesman in the top job?

Stay tuned…

Limestone City Will Not Host Memorial Cup

2010-05-11T12:29:00.006-04:00

The ongoing hockey controversy in the failed Limestone City Memorial Cup bid has one of the committee members pointing fingers at City Council, saying council should have done more to support the bid.

"The city wasn't even giving free ice time (at the K-Rock Centre). It was reduced-rate ice time when everybody else was throwing around free ice time," said Ken Wong, a Queen's economist, who, along with Frontenac's owner Doug Springer, radio station owner John Wright, financial consultant Michelle Podhy and Frontenacs coach Doug Gilmour were at the bid presentation.

Councillor Steve Garrison, always the straight-shooter at the Ontario Street Limestone Palace and the only one to vote against waiving rental fees for ice time during the event, called out Wong on his comments.

"Ken Wong thinks he is an expert in everything. If he's such an expert, maybe he should run for council and show us how to do it correctly."

Councillor Rob Hutchinson said council simply gave the green light to the report(bid) that was presented. The vote was 11-1 in favour of waiving the fees.

Folks, there are more important issues to be discussed in this parochial town - like giving Sydenham Ward a historic designation before Bill Glover's term is over. Or the Battle of Barriefield where the NIMBY Movement needs to be defeated.

And not to mention the paranoid stoner who declared his intention to run for Mayor. At least if he was Mayor, everything in the Limestone City would make sense.

Indecisive Decision Makers

2010-05-05T12:45:00.004-04:00

The future of Limestone City transportation

The second stage of an environmental assessment for the proposed bridge over the Cataraqui River was neither approved nor rejected by council last night.

Instead, all discussion suddenly stopped when councillors voted not to continue with the main portion of their meeting, abruptly ending the session with consultants at 10:55 p.m.

The consultants' report makes an environmental case for building the bridge, saying that it will reduce travel time by 90% and reduce idling fuel consumption by 70% by 2029.

We wonder what type of fuel will be used by 2029? Gasoline at $36 per litre? Electricity that will crash the fragile distribution network? Human powered vehicles running on carbohydrates?

Council will ultimately be asked to approve either a two-lane bridge for $114 million, a four-lane structure for $181 million or two lanes with the ability to expand to four lanes for $139 million.

Very expensive bicycle bridge, eh?

Holy Moses! I Have Been Deceived...

2010-04-26T12:09:00.004-04:00

So goodbye yellow brick road

Where the dogs of society howl

You can't plant me in your penthouse

I'm going back to my plough…

I have decided instead of paying the greedy scalper bastards for a pair of ducats to see the Honky Cat in the Limestone City Hockey Rink on the evening of July 9th, I will treat the Missus to a romantic evening on our secluded patio as follows:

1989 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap District
$139.00 per bottle

2 (10 oz.) Chateaubriand Roasts
$ 57.81

Elton John - Greatest Hits 1970-2002 CD [Original recording remastered]
$14.99

Dozen roses for the Missus
$45.00

Laura Secord Sex and The City Chocolates 153g (350g)
$24.95

El Rey Del Mundo Rothchild Cigars (Box of 20) for me
$63.95
_____

Cost: Priceless (actually $345.70 and cheaper than the real thing)

Piano man he makes his stand

In the auditorium

Looking on she sings the songs

The words she knows, the tune she hums
But oh how it feels so real

Lying here with no one near

Only you, and you can hear me

When I say softly, slowly

Hold me closer tiny dancer

Count the headlights on the highway

Lay me down in sheets of linen

you had a busy day today...

Would Gary Bennett Please Report To The Mayor's Office

2010-04-22T12:44:00.005-04:00

Mayor Rosen will not seek re-election.

The Gerettsen and Schmolka campaigns can now officially begin.

And so it goes...

More Shots Fired In The Battle For Barriefield

2010-04-20T10:25:00.004-04:00

Citizens of Historic Barriefield Village have developed a new stratagem to defend the Eastern Heights of the Great Cataraqui River from the City Of Kingston in the latest skirmish of the Battle For Barriefield.

The learned citizens’ strategy is to offer an alternative site on the west bank of the Cataraqui River, specifically located North of Princess Street where it has been written in the historical Limestone City Annals of Class Distinction “…that all affordable housing shall be constructed north of the socio-economic dividing line.”

The Village Volunteers have discussed selling their souls to raise money to purchase a tract of land on the west side of the river which would provide better access to services that affordable housing inhabitants require and would preserve Historic Barriefield Village.

A spokesperson for the Village Volunteers quoted in the April 20 edition of the British Whig lamented that some City Councillors “are demonizing villagers” and portraying villagers “being opposed to affordable housing.”

It is what it is…

City Council will decide tonight whether or not to hire mercenaries to conduct a feasibility study for continuing this battle.

The Limestone City Carbon Conundrum

2010-04-16T07:19:00.006-04:00

Kingston City Hall wants your opinion on the Poker Run.

The environmental evangelists will tell you it should be stopped because it spews 200 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.

KEAF found that the total amount of CO2 produced by the annual Poker Run is in the range of 100 to 200 tonnes and compared that amount to the 122 tonnes produced by a Toronto-Vancouver round-trip flight on a Boeing 757 which produces 122 tonnes of CO2.

KEAF noted that "The Poker Run without carbon offsets is damaging to a culture of Environmental Sustainability."

KEAF also calculated an estimate of the CO2 produced annually by idling cars and light duty vehicles in Kingston, assuming that the statements on the Natural Resources Canada website are right - that these vehicles idle for about 5 minutes a day on average, is about 6000 tonnes (roughly 30 to 60 times the product of the Poker Run).

Limestoned did some calculations and found that just 25,000 vehicles driven in the city over the course of a year – and there is a helluva lot more than that on the road - results in 192,500 tonnes of CO2 (based on an American average of 7,700kg of CO2 per year belching from an average vehicle tailpipe.)

How sustainable is vehicular transportation that burns fossil fuels and is it not damaging to a culture of Environmental Sustainability?

And speaking of spewing carbon emissions, Downtown Kingston! is waffling on having a car free Sunday on Princess Street this summer without the benefit of street performers or other sideshows to draw walking wallets.

So the City won’t stop cars from spewing carbon on a car-free Sunday on Princess Street but we will stop boats that draw $750,000 to the Kingston economy.

Hmmmm...

Introducing The 8th, 9th & 10th Wonder of The Limestone City

2010-04-13T07:45:00.005-04:00

Here is the original list of the Seven Wonders Of The Limestone City:

1.Revitalizing Springer Market Square ($6.185 million, completed 2008)
2.Taking ownership of the K&P Trail($600,000, completed 2007)
3.Building the K-Rock Centre ($46.5 million, completed 2008)
4.Building the Invista Centre ($33.6 million, completed 2008)
5.Renewing the Grand Theatre ($17.1 million, completed 2008)
6.Upgrading the Ravensview sewage treatment ($115 million, to be completed September 2009)
7.Making John Counter Boulevard a four-lane roadway with a railway overpass (budget now under review).

Introducing the 8th, 9th & 10th Wonders:

8. Building a Track & Field Facility at the Invista Centre for district school boards and colleges to use ($5,984,000 of which $1,034,000 is to be financed by community partners)

9.Building a 25 metre pool at the Invista Centre for competitive swim clubs ($32 - $40 million)

10.Partnership with Queen's University to build a waterfront Theatre Complex and refurbish the Tett Centre ($9 million & $12 million)

Investment in the Wonders Of The Limestone City has been a major tax blow to the future of our city and is being funded through a variety of methods, including:

City says: Grants from other levels of government (We say: taxpayers)

City says: Fundraising and donations (We say: taxpayers)

City says: User fees (We say: taxpayers)

City says: Property taxes (We say: guess who?)

City says: Reserve funds (We say: taxpayers)

City says: Development charges paid by builders and developers (We say: WTF? This just results in higher construction cost to taxpayers)

City says: Special levies (We say: taxpayers)

City says: Debt ("Debt" is the amount of funding the city borrows to pay off costs associated with facilities and infrastructure. Debt is paid off over a period of time similar to a home mortgage.) (We say: taxpayers)

The point of this exercise? Only Limestone City Wonder # 6 was absolutely, positively necessary.

Coming Soon!...The 3rd Crossing.

Kingston: Home To Unnecessary Entertainment Facilities

2010-04-08T08:28:00.005-04:00

On Tuesday night City Council approved the concept for a $35,000,000 Aquatic Centre to be located at the public transportation un-friendly west end of town at the Invista Centre.

Director of Leisure Services (sounds like retirement home talk) Lanie Hurdle said the City can now get busy with a business plan to create economic spin-offs for the facility.

“KEDCO can now market the facility to people for tourism with sanctioned swim meets,” she declared.

In other news, the Church Athletic League will abandon the Harvey Gardens in Portsmouth for the equally decrepit Memorial Centre in Williamsville. This move also means Domino Theatre will not take over Cook’s Arena, but will move into the Harold Harvey.

And Council agreed to throw $ 9,000,000 at the Queen’s Wonderful Waterfront Theatre Project because a City can’t have too many new empty entertainment facilities funded by the taxpayer.

The Barrack Street Money Pit

2010-03-19T08:07:00.004-04:00

Once again the K-ROCK Centre is a burden on the City’s Reserve Fund. As we posted on December 2008 and November 2009, the LVEC can’t seem to meet financial obligations. This shortfall is blamed on the economic downturn of 2009 and the Pot O’ Gold in the basement of the Ontario Street Limestone Palace will cover the difference.

The current Mayor Rosen has often declared that the Limestone City’s Pot O’ Gold will overflow with currency once the rink meets its financial goals so a wee cash withdrawal isn’t out of the question.

The future Mayor Gerretsen opines that it is unrealistic to believe the rink will pay for itself, declaring it is irresponsible to raid the Pot O’ Gold to cover shortfalls and suggested if the cost is ongoing it may require a TAX HIKE.

We would like to remind future Mayor Gerretsen of what Arena project manager Lanie Hurdle said on November 19, 2007..."that City staff are exploring several options to cover costs and none would require further tax dollars."

Good thing the taxpayers meet their financial obligations to the City each year, eh?

Still A Little Green, Eh?

2010-03-18T07:08:00.002-04:00

No doubt there's a few big heads in the Limestone City this morning after a day long binge on Ontario Street and a night spent at the Police Palace on Division Street.

Word is 17 drunken hooligans collared for public intoxication.

That's so Aberdeen Street...

Market Square Rink Closed For Season

2010-03-11T12:45:00.001-05:00

Afternoon sun, mild weather and a rainy weather forecast have all fed into City staff's decision to close the rink down for the season as of Thursday, March 11.

That and the Mayor’s wet ass from falling in a puddle on the rink signal the arrival of spring.

In All Thy Sons Command, Our Home On Native Land

2010-03-10T08:44:00.003-05:00

So we have King Steven prorogue Parliament so he can attend the Olympics and avoid the Afghan detainee questions, then he returns to Parliament and wants to change the words to O Canada! And then he changes his mind when faced with public outrage.

Meanwhile a disgraced Tory and former Alberta MP Rahim Jaffer plead guilty on Tuesday to one count of careless driving and was fined $500 in an Orangeville, Ont., courtroom. Mr. Jaffer, 37, was initially charged with cocaine possession, impaired driving and speeding stemming from an incident last September in Palgrave, Ont. Those charges were withdrawn Tuesday by the Crown, who said that there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.

Political interference? It would be interesting to see the Crown Attorney’s political allegiance.

Jaffer’s wife, Helena Guergis, the Minister of State For The Status of Women caused her own controversy last week in PEI by flipping out when asked to follow airport security procedures in “this shithole”.

It appears the kingdom is in its final days…

Coming Soon! Town Crier vs Poet Laureate Rhyme Off!

2010-02-25T12:01:00.005-05:00

The Limestone City's Arts, Recreation and Community Policies Committee Meeting No. 04-2010 25 February 2010 will be discussing the following item tonight:

7. BUSINESS
a) Poet Laureate
The following motion was approved at the Arts Advisory Committee on 11 February 2010 and has been forwarded to ARC for consideration. A copy of ‘A Proposal for a Poet Laureate for the City of Kingston – Terms of Reference’ is attached as Schedule Pages 1-2.

Moved by: Councillor Glover
Seconded by: Ms. Page

THAT the Arts Advisory Committee recommends the adoption of the Description of the Goals,
Duties, Support and Eligibility, and, the Appointment Criteria of the Poet Laureate as described in the Terms of Reference brought forward to the February Arts Advisory Committee meeting; and, THAT the Arts Advisory Committee recommends that the Cultural Services Department review with other City Departments as necessary the mechanics for the term and appointment process of the Poet Laureate.
CARRIED

We think this is a great idea and can't wait for the Town Crier and the Poet Laureate to clash on Ontario Street while spouting sonnets thick with hyperbole. This is bound to draw tourists to the Rhyming Grudge Match At Market Square Ampitheatre.

Putting the "Serf" In User Fees...

2010-02-19T06:55:00.002-05:00

‘T was a noble gesture on the part of the Cataraqui Clippers Soccer organization to hand over a cheque for $50,000 to the Mayor on Wednesday. The money was raised by a levy placed on player registration to contribute toward City owned field maintenance.

If we were the Mayor, we would be embarrassed to accept the cheque and here’s our reason why:

If users of the fields pony up to cover maintenance upgrades, why does the City charge user fees and what is that money spent on? Of course it would be argued the fees are used to maintain the fields but if the fees are used to maintain the fields, there would be no need to charge players a registration levy to cover field upgrades.

Do hockey players have to pay for new nets on City owned rinks? Do Kirk Muller, Doug Gilmour, and Marty McSorley pay for the boards to be installed at the Springer Market Square rink each February?

What sports organizations at the grassroots level really need is a champion on City Council. The Rink Rats voice is obviously well represented on Council, what with a surplus of ice time and rinks in the Limestone City.

City Council Prepares For Barriefield Battle

2010-02-18T06:05:00.002-05:00

Councillors conducting democracy in 'special' meeting

In a 'special' meeting last night, City Council voted to proceed with a planned social housing development on the Barriefield Green. Council also agreed to deposit a quarter of a million tax payer dollars into their war chest to hire an elite team of strategists.

Elite team of Strategists preparing for the call

Meanwhile, high above the banks of the Great Cataraqui River, the Barriefield Village blacksmith heeds the call...

Meanwhile In The Battle For Barriefield…

2010-02-17T06:19:00.004-05:00

Barriefield Militia defends the Causeway from social housing encroachment

Last night in the Limestone City Council Chambers, City Hall Commander-In-Chief of Administration recommended dropping $250,000 on a feasibility study to determine if the City should spend $1 to purchase the Barriefield Village Green for social housing.

Please Don't Quit Politics, Mr. Garrison

2010-02-09T08:42:00.002-05:00

Here's what Councillor Steve Garrison had to say about closing rinks to reduce the tax burden:

"Using that logic we could say we can't afford to run transit. There's a public good component there. Using that logic we could say we can't afford to plow the roads. It costs us money to do all those things. We need to ask ourselves, do we want to a liveable city or not, or do we want a hollowed out shell in the central core? When we already have concerns about urban sprawl, about services moving further west - if we keep allowing that to happen eventually the central city will become ghettoized."

Councillor Garrison also doesn't believe the report of surplus ice time in the city and brought the LVEC(K-Rock Centre) into the mix as causing the surplus ice time. Garrison said if the K-Rock Centre ice time was spread around, the other rinks would be more efficient.The plan was to mothball the Harold Harvey and move its tenants to other rinks to make those rinks more efficient.

"If there were (surplus ice), people wouldn't be playing at midnight... I think we should use those icepads to create more desirable time slots. The LVEC is part of the problem here. That was an interesting piece of information not even touched by staffed..."

Meanwhile, Mayor Rosen was shocked by the Recreation Committee's recommendation to keep the Harvey rink open, saying it made no sense.

to be continued...

Rink Controversy In Rink Fest City!

2010-02-05T07:47:00.004-05:00

City Hall's plan to mothball Harold Harvey Arena was dealt a solid body check last night by City Councillors on the Recreation Committe, as they rejected the City Staff recommendation by a vote of 6-0. The overwhelming vote of non-confidence toward the City's Rink Plan will still have to be approved by City Council.

The 5 hour meeting, attended by community minded supporters, evangelized the need for inner city ice and the necessity of retaining the hallowed Church League home rink.

The City's rationale behind the decision to close the Portsmouth landmark was the aging infrastructure of the rink and lots of available ice time at other west end rinks such as Centre 70, Cataraqui and the Invista Centre.

A major stumbling block in the City's plan was not considering the transportation options available to get the young hockey players to the far-flung locations of the rinks. The City assumes all hockey playing kids have access to mom & dad driving them to the rink just like those feel good Tim Horton commercials.

Real life isn't always like that and you can't rely on public transportation. Especially in the Limestone City.

Meanwhile, Silly Business In City Hall While Rink Fest Holds Citizens Attention Out Back With Free Hot Chocolate and Sugar Laden Fried Dough

2010-02-05T06:49:00.001-05:00

While you were busy spectating at Rink Fest events, you may have missed what went down at City Hall on Tuesday night:

Canada Day Fireworks Display at Grass Creek Park
Moved by Councillor MacLeod-Kane
Seconded by Councillor Garrison

THAT staff be directed to organize a fireworks display at Grass Creek Park during the evening of Canada Day, with a budget not to exceed $20,000 and to be funded from the Working Reserve Fund, for the year 2010.

Council request from KEDCO a report on the economic impact of the PokerRun
Moved by Councillor Smith
Seconded by Councillor Hector

WHEREAS the four pillars of sustainability are economic, social, cultural and environmental; and,

WHEREAS Sustainable Kingston is working towards an integrated approach to sustainability in our City, which means that no one pillar should be considered in absence of input from other pillars for a balanced approach; and,

WHEREAS the Poker Run is only one of many events within the City and Council has no overall policy on how events are to be evaluated from an integrated sustainable perspective; and,

WHEREAS Council is in possession of a report from KEAF on the Poker Run as it relates to the environment only;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council request from KEDCO a report on the economic impact of the Poker Run to be delivered no later than March 30, 2010;

- and further -

THAT, to gauge the cultural and social impact of the Poker Run, Council host at least one public meeting along with an internet survey no later than March 30 to gauge community views and impacts of the Poker Run;

- and further -

THAT staff incorporate all the available information into a consolidated report and recommendation to Council on the overall impact of the Poker Run to the City as a whole, by May 16, 2010;

- and further -

THAT staff consider options for developing a policy on how all events and city activities could be evaluated from an integrated sustainability perspective, and through FOCUS Kingston bring a report forward to Council with recommendations in the first quarter of 2011.

Just how lame will our lame duck council become...?

Shoot Out At Rink Fest

2010-02-04T09:02:00.002-05:00

It was touted as a hockey game but Don Cherry wouldn’t recognize it as such.
It appears even the best junior hockey players in Ontario can’t fill the K-Rink for a game of fill-the-net-with-pucks.

We imagine the goal judges are showing symptoms of carpal tunnel…

*************

Observations Of A Spectator At Rink Fest

So we were wandering around downtown on Tuesday and here’s what we noticed on Day 2 of Rink Fest:

Parking is not a problem if you are not afraid of walking

At 3:45pm, there is not much happening at Rink Fest except witnessing the magical power of the Stanley Cup bringing tears to a grown man’s eye

Holy Cow Look At All The Empty Storefronts!

Don’t step in the dog shit on the sidewalk

The Limestone City still has a large population of smokers that litter the sidewalks with their butts

The afternoon shift of beggars are not very aggressive, in fact they don’t say a word

Most store clerk look bored

We’re just saying…

Still More Coming Attractions!

2010-01-30T06:41:00.000-05:00

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*Ever see the Red Bull Crushed Ice event in Quebec?

The City closes King Street at Johnston Street and builds a tower for the starting gate of an ice chute that descends to Brock Street. The chute turns down Brock Street and empties onto the Market Square rink. Participants wear full hockey equipment and it becomes a downhill, winter version of roller derby. People would pay to do that.

And on Ontario Street in front of City Hall, there could be snowmobile drag races - a winter version of the controversial poker boat run. Or better yet, they could skip the sleds from shore across open water at Confederation Basin. That certainly draws a crowd to Loughborough Lake.

And get Jayna Hefford to bring the women’s national team to town to play a best of three series against the Frontenacs – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Now that would entice wallets downtown, eh?!

Coming Attractions!

2010-01-28T06:38:00.000-05:00

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We Should Hold A Telethon For The Canadian Hungry & Homeless

2010-01-27T12:34:00.003-05:00

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Hey Stephen Harper: Lead, Follow or Get The Hell Outta The Way!

2010-01-22T12:26:00.004-05:00

Prorogue Rally

Saturday, January 23, 2010

1:00pm

Market Square

Going Rogue At Feb Fest

2010-01-22T06:46:00.000-05:00

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Feb Fest Confections by Connie

2010-01-21T12:42:00.003-05:00

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Hey...they're healthier than Beaver tails.

Council Waives Fees In Support Of Memorial Cup Bid

2010-01-20T12:22:00.006-05:00

By an 11-1 vote -Councillor Steve Garrison was the lone voice of reason - City Council passed a motion to waive $20,000 in fees if the Kingston Frontenacs' Memorial Cup bid is successful. The fees are for ice time and use of dressing rooms and the fitness facility for participating teams at the Invista Centre.

"I think we should give our moral support, but I have a problem supporting the waiving of fees," Garrison told council. "We've already funded the K-Rock Centre. The owners of the Frontenacs (the Springer family) are the beneficiaries of that. For the owners of the Frontenacs to expect us and the taxpayer to pick up the tab for the bid ... that's something they should pick up."

So if they can waive fees for Springer's Frontenacs we would expect nothing less for other requests.

Here's an interesting thing to consider: How much money will the Frontenacs promise the league in return for hosting rights? It is not just about bringing money to Kingston, eh?

Mississauga St. Mike's Majors, Windsor Spitfires and the Barrie Colts are in the running and when it comes to deep pockets to overbid for the hosting rights, we don't think Springer's pockets are as deep as St. Mike's owner Eugene Melnyk.

Unless of course there are back room deals on Ontario Street and we will face a Memorial Cup tax increase...or dip into the pot o' gold slush fund known as the Reserve Fund.

Remember, We Ain't Hockeyville...

2010-01-19T06:11:00.002-05:00

Keeping The Stain In Sustainability

2010-01-16T08:37:00.003-05:00

Did you notice in Thursday's Whig Standard that Canadian Tire was selling disposable flashlights for cheap?

That's right -DISPOSABLE.

Just throw the sucker away when it is all used up.

Corporations don't give a rat's ass about the environment. They say they do, but if they did, would they sell or even advertise this product? Somebody call Councillor Vicki.

Meanwhile, On Parliament Hill...

2010-01-15T07:48:00.003-05:00

It appears that King Steven made an error. Who knew Canadians cared about the democratic process?

According to the Globe & Mail's Jane Taber,Harper is on the verge of losing the government of Canada.

The chattering class is amused...

We'll Miss You, Councillor Steve!

2010-01-13T12:27:00.004-05:00

Councillor Steve Garrison took a walk in the snow last week and announced he will not seek re-election in November 2010.

Councillor Steve, who represents the Kingscourt-Strathcona district, will be missed for his oratory skills and having enough brass to go toe-to-toe with the Mayor.

As evidence we travel back to 2007 for the Quote of the Year.

Someone's laughing, Lord, kumbaya

Oh Lord, kumbaya

Thanks Steve. You made politics interesting in this town.

Happy Birthday, Eh?

2010-01-11T08:04:00.003-05:00

We think the old chieftain would be pissed that the current prime minister is hiding behind the GG's skirt and mocking democracy. King Steven could take a few tips from the original Pro Rogue Sir John, eh?

Hoist a dram or three and meet us at the Royal Tap Room and maybe we can channel his spirit to his old watering hole.

Putting The Stain In Sustainable Destination!

2010-01-08T07:47:00.008-05:00

Coming To A National Geographic Society Approved Sustainable Destination Near You!

The Frontenac Arch biosphere, a nearly 3,000-square km region that includes the Thousand Islands, the Rideau Canal and much of the Land 'O Lakes area, is only the ninth region worldwide - and the first in Ontario - to get the National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations Geo Tourism charter.

Now if we only had a sustainable public transportation infrastructure instead of mortgaging the future on soon-to-be-past modes of transportation, like a 3rd Crossing for vehicles powered by fossil fuels, we could really raise the SUSTAINABLE banner high.

What? Well, it is a new year. We can dream...

Canada Closed

2010-01-05T12:53:00.004-05:00

King Stephen - not to be confused with Stephen King, although this is beginning to turn into a horror story - has once again shut down the Government of Canada to avoid facing controversy.

Harper asked the Governor General to prorogue parliment on December 30 and god bless her little heart, the GG shut down democracy just like Stevie asked.

Canada has now gone 7 days without a functioning government.

And we thought we had the market cornered in the Limestone City when it came to taxation without representation.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T06:48:00.000-05:00

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Yes Virginia, There Is a Conspiracy.

2009-12-18T06:24:00.000-05:00

"DEAR LIMESTONED EDITOR:

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Limestone City Conspiracy.

Papa says, 'If you see it in Limestoned. A Kingston State of Mind- it's so.'

Please tell me the truth; is there a Limestone City Conspiracy?

VIRGINIA,

Compton Street.

"VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a conspiracy in the Limestone City. It exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.

Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no conspiracy. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in a conspiracy! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the Municipal government meetings, but even if they did not see a conspiracy behind closed doors, what would that prove?

Nobody sees a conspiracy, but that is no sign that there is no conspiracy in the Limestone City. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there.

Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real?

Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Conspiracy? Thank God! It lives, and it lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, the conspiracy will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

with apologies to the NY Sun and Francis Pharcellus Church, Sept. 21, 1897

Secret Advisory Committee

2009-12-17T12:05:00.011-05:00

Ken Noakes of Arcturus/SMG Canada, the firm that manages the K-Rock Centre was summoned to Council on Tuesday night to explain why the company expected to be $600,000 short of projected revenues.

Noakes stated that of the nine facilities it operates in North America, seven are losing money.

In keeping with the clandestine business model this City seems to favour, it was revealed that a secret community advisory committee meant to provide direction and input into Arcturus/SMG Canada arena operations had only met once in two years. When Councillor Matheson inquired about the committee’s membership, Noakes surreptitiously answered “I’m not sure I want to make that public just yet.”

Councillor Gerretsen expressed concern about the secrecy of how the committee was selected and was more than a bit exasperated that no trade shows had been booked in the rink during 2009.

“Are you waiting for the phone to ring?” Gerretsen asked.

So many secrets and unanswered questions in the parochial Limestone City...